Things I am Thankful for:
1. The Lord Jesus Christ and his sacrifice to atone for my sins
2. The gospel of Jesus Christ and his scriptures
3. The Church with all of its organizations that helps me implement gospel principles I have learned or are learning
4. The power of the priesthood, its healing and sealing and saving power
5. Health and strength and energy
6. The light of another day
7. A good wife and friend
8. Good kids
9. Good in-law kids
10. Good grandkids
11. Being born an American
12. Living in Utah
13. Our home and comforts of life
14. Good friends and neighbors
15. Talents
16. Knowledge
17. Education
18. Freedoms
19. Strengths
20. Holy Ghost
21. Inspiration and guidance
22. Being born in this era
23. Loving feelings both given and received
24. Good and pleasant tasting food
25. Good bed
26. Hot shower and soap and shampoo
27. God’s protection daily
28. Passion
29. Gratitude
30. Work
31. Play and laughter
32. Service both given and received
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Samoa
June 1971 Linda was six months pregnant with April and we were on our way to Western Samoa with three little boys and a new adventure. We flew from American Samoa to Western Samoa on a old DC-3 airplane. The cockpit door was left open and I could see right out the windshield of the plane. As we were coming down I was wondering where we were going to land, because all I could see ahead was trees and grass and then only grass. The runway was a grass field. Even as old as this plane was it seemed to be air conditioned, for when they opened the door it about knocked us back in because the air was so hot and humid. We thought we are going to live in this for three years. The ride from the airport to our new home was interesting lots of bare naked little kids running around. Most of the homes were 12 post thached roofed fales. When we arrived at our new home, it was really new. As a matter of fact they were still painting it and hanging the doors. We moved in with our suit cases. We thought that our belongings would be there a head of us but they weren't. Our car had arrived ahead of us and some one took us the next day to get it out of customs. Our belongings arrived about a week later and we got it through customs and started to get settled in when one of the school administrators came to the house and wondered when I was going to show up to work and start teaching. I hadn't even thought about it. I thought they would be on the same school schedule that I just left and it was summer vacation. I was wrong and I started the next day. I was shown where my shop was and given a role of the students names and the class schedule. As I looked around the shop there was lots of power equipment that appeared to be in ill repair and not bolted down and very poorly organized. The shop was also filled to the ceiling with half made lava lava boxes. These are kind of like a cedar chest here in America only much cruder. The teacher just before me felt that these students didn't need to learn how to use any power tools because they didn't have any at their homes. So he taught them to use just hand tools and then let the teacher come in after school and use the shop any time they wanted. I changed that polcy the first week I started teaching. The other teachers were not real happy with me at the time, but I opened up the shop for about a month prior to Christmas for them to make presents if they wanted. I went through the shop and organized it and bolted all of the equipment down so it was much safer. I then tore apart all of the equipment and made a parts list of everything that I would need to get the equipment up and running properly and took it to the superintendant of the school and presented him with the list of parts. He was shocked that I didn't want all new equipment like the last teacher. So he expidited the order of these parts and they came in record time. Usually it takes months to get any thing there that you need or want. It was the desire of basicly every student that I had to leave the island at some point and seek a better life. Once they could see the value of what I could teach them they were excited. They realized they could take these skills with them and have a better chance of making better money in America or Australia or New Zealand. My shop was a wood shop and they learned how to set up and use the equipment properly and safely. They learned to make plans for a project and then follow the plan and to build what they had designed. It's too late tonight will have to tell more later. Dad
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Leon and Linda history
Here is an old two page history that I started on and old manual typewritter. Thought you might get a kick out of it.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Victor Leon Crowley history
This is a letter from Uncle Ariel to Dad that he sent on to me. I hope you find it interesting.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Old pictures
I found a picture of my sister Virginia hidden under a picture of me that had been in Mom's house in California. I hope that I can copy it here.
Isn't she pretty. She was a lot of fun. I will have to tell some stories about her latter.
I am going to see if I can post the one of me that this picture was under.
These were the days when I was skinny and had a lot more hair. Maybe I'll tel you more stories about him.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
My Baptism
Ariel Leon Crowley’s baptism
I was baptized a few weeks after my 8th birthday on May 6th, 1950. I was baptized by my father Victor Leon Crowley. I was baptized in an old white chapel in Ontario on the corner of 4th Street and Campus Ave. that was built under Brigham Young’s administration. As an eight year old I thought I knew that old chapel pretty well but I couldn’t figure out where the baptismal font was. When we got to the chapel for the baptism I discovered where the font was located. They had moved the Bishop’s desk out of his office and rolled up the carpet and pulled up the planks of 2 by 6s and there was the font. There were two large doors that opened up that separated the bishop’s office from the chapel foyer. There were folding chairs set up in the foyer facing the bishop’s office and font. The boys and men were sent to the cry room just above the foyer to change in to our white clothes in preparation for the baptismal service. I remember that I was interviewed by Bishop Stan Able the Sunday before the service. He was a neighbor and friend of the family. He was also the manager of the local grocery store where mom shopped. During the baptismal interview he had me quote several of the Articles of Faith and about my desire to be baptized. I was pleased that my dad was going to baptize me. I can remember that there were several of us eight year olds that were to be baptized that day. I wish I could remember by name who they all were. I also wish that I could remember more about the baptismal service, I know that we had talks on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost and then some instruction from the bishop. I remember that dad went down into the font first and held my hand as I entered the font. I remember that I was pleased that the water was warm. Dad faced the foyer while I stood in front of him and he raised his right arm to the square and said the baptismal prayer and then put his big hand on my back and gently put me under the water and brought me up again. He only had to do it once.
The next day was fast Sunday and I was confirmed a member of the church in that meeting. I remember that there were several in the circle and Grandfather (C. E.) Crowley was one of them. I’m sure there were several of my uncles in the circle also. I wish that I could remember some of the blessing that was given but I can’t.
I am very thankful for my baptism and membership in the true church. It has brought the richest blessing into my life. My wonderful wife, friend and companion have brought me much joy and happiness. The children that have blessed our home and life, fill my heart to over flowing. The opportunities membership in the church has given me has caused me to grow in ways that I never imagined. I am thankful for the opportunity to partake of the sacrament each week and renew my baptismal covenants. Without baptism I couldn’t enjoy the blessings of the sealing power of the temple ordinances. I bear you my witness that our Savior’s priesthood power and church and kingdom are here on the earth and the saving ordinances of the gospel are in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
I was baptized a few weeks after my 8th birthday on May 6th, 1950. I was baptized by my father Victor Leon Crowley. I was baptized in an old white chapel in Ontario on the corner of 4th Street and Campus Ave. that was built under Brigham Young’s administration. As an eight year old I thought I knew that old chapel pretty well but I couldn’t figure out where the baptismal font was. When we got to the chapel for the baptism I discovered where the font was located. They had moved the Bishop’s desk out of his office and rolled up the carpet and pulled up the planks of 2 by 6s and there was the font. There were two large doors that opened up that separated the bishop’s office from the chapel foyer. There were folding chairs set up in the foyer facing the bishop’s office and font. The boys and men were sent to the cry room just above the foyer to change in to our white clothes in preparation for the baptismal service. I remember that I was interviewed by Bishop Stan Able the Sunday before the service. He was a neighbor and friend of the family. He was also the manager of the local grocery store where mom shopped. During the baptismal interview he had me quote several of the Articles of Faith and about my desire to be baptized. I was pleased that my dad was going to baptize me. I can remember that there were several of us eight year olds that were to be baptized that day. I wish I could remember by name who they all were. I also wish that I could remember more about the baptismal service, I know that we had talks on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost and then some instruction from the bishop. I remember that dad went down into the font first and held my hand as I entered the font. I remember that I was pleased that the water was warm. Dad faced the foyer while I stood in front of him and he raised his right arm to the square and said the baptismal prayer and then put his big hand on my back and gently put me under the water and brought me up again. He only had to do it once.
The next day was fast Sunday and I was confirmed a member of the church in that meeting. I remember that there were several in the circle and Grandfather (C. E.) Crowley was one of them. I’m sure there were several of my uncles in the circle also. I wish that I could remember some of the blessing that was given but I can’t.
I am very thankful for my baptism and membership in the true church. It has brought the richest blessing into my life. My wonderful wife, friend and companion have brought me much joy and happiness. The children that have blessed our home and life, fill my heart to over flowing. The opportunities membership in the church has given me has caused me to grow in ways that I never imagined. I am thankful for the opportunity to partake of the sacrament each week and renew my baptismal covenants. Without baptism I couldn’t enjoy the blessings of the sealing power of the temple ordinances. I bear you my witness that our Savior’s priesthood power and church and kingdom are here on the earth and the saving ordinances of the gospel are in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Memories of Victor and Venitta and Family
Ruth Jensen asked me to tell alittle more about a one page memorie jogger sheet that I had made years ago for some family gathering. I am going to try and copy it into this blog. Sure hope it works.
Victor Leon Crowley & Venitta Eliza Minson
Idaho Falls, Mom and dad met in Idaho Falls.
June 3, 1925, Salt Lake Temple,
Joseph Fielding Smith, Mom and dad were married in the Salt Lake temple by Joseph Fielding Smith.
Nurse's Training, Mom took her training in an LDS hospital in Idaho Falls and dad dated her during this time.
Lava Hot Springs, they liked to go to there with their friends. Frank & Naoma Taylor, were good friends in Idaho and also moved to Ontario and lived in the same ward for years.
Barn Storming, Ford Trimotor, Dad owned a share in a ford Trimotor airplane and earned his living Barn Storming. That is he would buzz a town and then land in a field and sell rides to all who wanted a ride (to fly).
May 19, 1926, Victor Eldon, was born and am pretty sure he was the very first grandchild of CE Crowley.
Aug. 2, 1927, Virginia, was born this day.
Sept. 11, 1928, Venitta Ruth, was born this day. All three were born in Idaho Falls.
Santa Maria, Calif., moved here I don’t remember what year.
Will Rogers, I think dad had met him I’m not sure they were friends.
Welding Shop, I know dad had a welding shop but I’m not sure where it was.
Flood, Saved A Dozen People, There was a flood and people were stranded on a little island in the middle of the river without food, water, or shelter. He got them from there to the safety of his shop and fed and took care of them.
Fist Through Wall - This Was Meant For You, As I recall the story, dad worked in a machine shop and one of his co-workers was lazy and would go hide and sleep and dad would end up having to do both of their jobs. He got so mad that he dreamed one night that he punched the guy in the nose. Mom slept between him and the wall and dad’s fist punched a hole in the wall right above mom’s head pinning her to the bed. The next day dad brought the co-worker home and showed him the hole and told him that was meant for him. I understand the co-worker quit the next day.
Ontario, They moved to Ontario, California.
Dr. Walter A. Sullivan, San Antonio Community Hospital, was the family doctor and delivered both Vern and Leon.
312 No. Campus, Is the first home that I can remember. It was a two story home with big trees in the back yard.
June 8, 1938, Vernal Frank, The day Vern was born.
1228 East Holt Blvd., East End Auto Wreckers, Crosley On Top, This is where dad’s wrecking yard was located. One of the things that distinguished it was the little Crosley car that dad put on the roof.
Dec. 7, 1941, WW II, bombing of Pearl Harbor and US involvement in the war.
April 16, 1942, Ariel Leon, The day Leon was born.
Eldon-Navy, Broken Collar Bone - Naval Hospital,
I can remember Eldon coming home from WW II dressed in his uniform. I can remember dad letting Eldon take his motorcycle for a ride and that he had an accident on it and broke his collar bone. I can remember traveling to a naval hospital to visit him.
Harley-Davidson, dad enjoyed driving a motorcycle and he and mom would go on little trips. He talked about having a race with Charlie Whitaker and getting their handle bars hooked together and nearly having a wreck because of it.
Indian-Motor Cycle -Suicide Clutch, Rooster-Tails Of Dirt, We had a dirt alley behind our 312 N. Campus home and when dad would leave for work he would peal out and leave a rooster tail of dirt flying as he went down the alley.
Halloween Party, I can remember a Halloween party at our house and the kids had to climb in through the front window and walk across a tray for marbles and then across the bed and then on to an ironing board that a couple of guys were tipping while the person was standing on it. I forgot they were blind folded before they went through the window. Then they put their hands in a bowl of peeled grapes and told they were eyeballs, and cold cooked large macaroni noodles and told they were intestines and then Jell-O and is was something else. They dunked for apples and played games and had a great time.
Firesides, we had several at our house and always had a good turn out.
Three Story Tree House, Vern built a three story tree house in one of our Eucalyptus trees that had four branches that grew vertical. He built a trap door in the top floor so he could keep out anybody he didn’t want up there. We moved from this house in 1949 so Vern was eleven our under when he did this.
Bird Nest, Fall-Broken Branches-Hit Chin On Roof, Vern saw a bird’s nest in Pipitone’s tree next to their garage. He climbed nearly to the nest when the branch he was standing on broke and I watched him fall breaking branches all the way and then catching his chin on the roof of their garage. When he landed on the ground I was sure he was dead and I ran and got mom and she came took care of him.
Guns Aren't Loaded - Hole Through Roof, When Vern was ten or eleven he and I were left at home while mom and dad went out. While they were out Vern was certain that he heard somebody out side the house and he went and got dad’s guns and some bullets. He got a 30-30 rifle for him and a 22 rifle for me and some bullets. I was five or there abouts. Vern and I sat on the floor of the kitchen back to back and he told me to not load the gun unless we saw somebody. I didn’t listen and loaded the gun. Shortly there after mom and dad came home and found us with the guns. Dad grabbed the guns and started up the stairs and Vern was trying to assure him that we hadn’t loaded the guns and reached up and pulled the trigger of the 22 and it fired a bullet up thru the ceiling and roof. The scare was so bad that I don’t think we even got a spanking.
Frank & Gertrude & Althea Minson, Louis Ray, These four lived with mom and dad for a time. Frank and Gertrude were mom’s parents and Althea was mom’s youngest sister and Louis Ray was Althea’s husband.
Birthday Party-Night Shirts, Dad made it very plain that he did not like night shirts like the ones he had to wear when he was a boy. As a joke mom had a birthday party for him and every one that came brought him a night shirt. It seems that somebody wrote him a poem about it.
Pipitone's, Wheatley's, These were next door neighbors to mom and dad on campus Ave.
Vern's Duck, Vern had a pet duck named Henry that he loved. Henry had a name change when he / she laid several eggs, after that she was called Henrietta. She lost her head when she ate the fish in the Pipitones backyard pond.
Central States Mission, Eldon was called and served an honorable in that mission.
Elmer Max Jensen, married Virginia and joined the family.
Winston Frost Jepson, married Ruth and joined the family
Ontario 1st Ward, mom and dad lived in this ward for most of their married life.
Relief Society President, Mom served as relief society president for several years and did a great job.
Jr. Sunday School, Dad served as second counselor in the Sunday school presidency and did a great job and loved the kids and the kids loved him.
Ward Choir, Dad enjoyed singing in the choir and had a good voice.
545 East "I" St., We moved into this house in 1949 next door to grandfather and grandmother (CE and Mary Elizabeth) It was a good experience. I learned many things from my parents and also from my grandparents and have many fond memories because of the close proximity to dads parents.
Ruth Marian Reynolds, married Victor Eldon and joined our family.
Queen For A Day, Ruth won the show Queen for a day shortly after she had her second set of twin boys (Scott and Dee) She got a large washer and dryer and stroller and many other things. Quaker Oats gave her a year supply of their cereal.
Timbo - Sic'em, Timbo was a large German Shepard that was a WW II veteran. When we first got him I was able to ride him around. When Vern would get me on the ground and be working me over Timbo would come and knock him off of me. If you stuck out your arm and point at somebody and said sic’em he would attack that arm.
Nurse Skills, Penicillin Shots, Hospital Corners On Beds, Mom’s nursing skills carried on her whole life. I can remember Dr Sullivan giving her penicillin and allowing her to give shots to all the neighbors when they got sick. When you helped mom make a bed there was only one way and it was her way or the hospital way.
Wash Dishes: Clockwise Clean/Counter-Clockwise Dirty, Mom had her way of doing the dishes and Vern and I would kid and say if the dishcloth went in a clock wise motion the dishes would get clean but if you went counter clockwise they would get dirtier.
Loving Touch, there was nobody that I would rather have close by when I was sick than mom, she was gentle and caring and attentive.
Beautiful Penmanship, Excellent Speller, mom had beautiful penmanship and was an excellent speller. Even in the nursing home mom could spell well and yet had no clue what she spelled.
Dry Off With Washcloth, Mom always wanted me to dry off mostly with the wash cloth and then you could really get dry with the towel.
Box Your Ears, Mom was always threatening to box our ears when Vern and I were fighting or carrying on in some way.
Razor Strap Spankings, I can only remember getting a couple of these spankings and I am sure they were well deserved. The razor strap was use to sharpen a straight edge razor and had two parts. A wide leather belt and a heavy canvas belt connected together at one end. Dad would hold both ends of the strap and would them together and then pull them apart quickly and they would snap together and make quite a bang. It seemed to make a lot more noise than doing damage to the recipient. It hurt and it did change my behavior.
Aunt Elizabeth & Uncle Louie Forden - Governor, Great back door neighbor for years and years, governor was their Bull dog.
Grandmother & Grandfather Crowley,
Nolan & Sherry, next door neighbor that bought Grandfather and grandmothers home after Grandfather passed away.
Circle Driveway, we had a circle drive way that we shared with the grandparents.
Pomegranate Tree, Orange Tree, Peach Tree, we had these trees in our yard and the fruit was wonderful.
Avis Bush, Leah Yodder, Charlie Whitaker, Avis and Leah were bookkeepers for dad at the wrecking yard. Charlie Whitaker was a partner at one time.
Prince-What Did You Steal, Prince was a wonderful Doberman pincer that dad had at the wrecking yard for years. Prince loved dad and would mind him to the letter. Prince knew his job and watched the customers closely and if they took something and didn’t go through the office to pay he would grab them in the calf and growl and they would usually freeze and start screaming for dad.
Ida Darlene Carter, married Vern and joined the family.
Chaffey Union High School, All five children attended this high school.
48 Packard - 40 Mph Left-hand Turn, The first time mom allowed me to drive behind the wheel. I was driving up Campus Ave and making a left hand turn on to “I” Street. I think I was about 14 years old and the gutter was rather deep and the bump and jump and up on two wheels was very memorable for mom and me.
Ulcer As Big As Two Fists, I can remember dad being so sick and yet getting up and going to work. I can remember dad coming home and laying down on the floor in front of the heater in the dinning room and mom trying to feed him and then he would eat and go throw up and then go back to work. Uncle Ed said that the ulcer that they cut out of dad was the size of his two fists. They cut out half of his stomach when they took the ulcer out.
Boating, Skiing, Boat Building, Glen L. Hot Rod Drag Boat, Toe In Rope, Behind Head, Beach Start, Whip In, 11 Skiers At Once, Salton Sea - Bombay Beach, Swim In Canal, Haul Water, Soak In Hot Springs, This could take pages and pages to cover this one.
Dorothy Lee Plum, married Vern and joined the family
Kitchen/Porch Wall, We had a small kitchen and small back porch. Mom kept wishing that the wall between the two rooms was removed and make a nice large kitchen. One Saturday she was gone all day to some Relief Society activity, I got some tools out of the garage and when mom came home the wall was gone. She nearly had a heart attack and dad nearly exploded when he came home, but the wall was gone. Dad hired a neighbor and he finished the kitchen and repainted it. It made a big difference and mom loved it when it was all done.
Dining Room/Den Wall, There was a wall between the den and the dining room and mom wanted it removed and dad was nervous that I just might do it with out any guidance or approval. He then told me that I could remove the wall but there was some nice shelves and cupboards in the den that he didn’t want destroyed. I took the shelves out carefully and moved them to the family room. I then tore the wall down and dad hired the same neighbor to finish the room.
Family Room, Started out to be a screened porch but with the shelves in there now they built it in and became the family room.
Leon Clean Garage, Mom wanted me to clean the garage with her help but she wanted to look at and examine each and every thing in the garage I think it would have taken two life times. So one Saturday when mom was gone all day again, I went to the wrecking yard and got dads biggest scrap truck and backed up to the garage. I emptied the garage of everything. There was not a tool or board or string or dirt or anything left. Mom never forgave me and would say things like “I wish I had that board you threw away.”
Temple Garment Room, Dixon Twins - One Piece Garments - Stuff In Back Door Of Garment, Because there was no distribution center around Mom was asked (called) to be the temple garment distributor for our stake. She devoted one of our bedrooms to this. She did this for years. One day I came home and mom said that the Dixon twins were in my bedroom trying on garments to go to the temple for the first time. They had been in there for hours. She wanted me to go in and see what was taking so long. This was when there was only one piece garments and you got in them from the neck hole. I found the one twin trying to get in from the back hole, legs in and the other twin trying to help his brother bend enough to get his body in the top half. They were making comments like “I can see why you wear these for the rest of your life.”
1st Purchased TV In Ontario, Crosley TV-Bubble Magnifier, Dad bought this little TV with about an eight inch screen. He also bought this giant magnifying glass that hung in front of the screen and made the picture seem bigger.
Professional Wrestling, Dragnet, Ozzie & HarrietShow, KTLA-Judy Splinter's Show, Ambidextrous,
Dad loved to watch professional wrestling and would sit on the edge of the foot stool and you would swear he was one of the wrestlers. There were only three stations at that time and everybody seemed to watch the same shows and the next day at school you would talk to your friends about what you watched. Channel 5 KTLA Had the Judy Splinter’s show and they had a drawing contest and I won and had to go draw the picture on TV. They put me in front of a large easel with a large drawing pad and a big piece of charcoal. I was five years old at the time. I drew a picture of porky pig. The drawing pad was so big that I drew half of the picture with one hand and the other half with the other hand.
BYU, 417 No. 1st East-Provo, I lived in this apartment my freshman year at BYU.
Southern States Mission, I was called to serve in the Southern States Mission and Entered the mission home in October of 1961. This is the same mission that Victor Leon, Clarence Edmond and Squire Green Crowley served in, making me the fourth generation to serve there.
1963 Olds Starfire, Trip To Atlanta Georgia, Visited Whole Family On The Way Home, Mom and dad bought a brand new Olds Starfire to come and pick me up at the end of my mission. They picked me up at the mission home in Atlanta Georgia where I had served the last four months of my mission. We did some sight seeing on our way home. We visited some of the places that dad had served in and met some of our non LDS relatives that live in Kentucky. We visited all of my sibling on our way home.
Linda Rae Thudium, Met Linda Rae the middle of November 1963 and married her the 17th of January 1964 dad’s birthday. Best birthday present he ever got.
69 Chev PU, I think got this PU new and he loved it and drove it for a long time.
70 Ford Green Camper, Dad bought mom a little green camper. She loved to drive it because she sat up so that she could see over the steering wheel instead of through it.
Eldorado Motorhome, they enjoyed the camper so much dad bought the motor home and they took a number of trips in it to visit their kids and grandkids.
Home Made Bread, mom was famous for her home made bread. She would make five or six large loaves in one batch. No fancy machines just hard old work. At the Relief Society bazaar that was held to raise ward budget, they would auction off her bread.
Roast Beef Dinners, I loved mom’s Sunday roast beef dinners. She made the best gravy too.
Bacon & Eggs, was the usual breakfast. I don’t remember eating much cereal cooked or cold for breakfast.
Stew, mom made a great stew and always put a whole hot pepper in it to cook and simmer. It gave it a little zing and added to the flavor.
Milk Toast, Mom’s bread made the best milk toast bar none.
Eggs On Toast, we would some times have mashed boiled eggs with butter on her toast it was very good.
Women's Club, mom belonged to the Ontario women’s club for years and served in it.
Pinetop Family Reunion, After Linda and I returned from Samoa we moved to Boise Idaho. While we were there we organized a family reunion at Uncle Ariel’s Pinetop in Idaho city,, Idaho. I think we had everyone of mom and dad’s descendents there. What a great time we had together. I can remember uncle Eldon getting up early and going around to everybody’s cabins and staring a fire so it would be warm when they got up.
Mirrors On The Walls Everywhere, Mom seemed to like to have a mirror on every wall. She even had a mirror in the little space in between the two windows just above the kitchen sink.
Mantle Clock, Mom had a family clock that had been handed down. She took good care of it and had to wind it up at least once a week. It chimed on the hour and half hour and had a pretty loud tic toc to it. Sometimes when we would have people sleep over they couldn’t sleep because of the clock, but when you grow up with it you don’t even notice it.
Balls Of String, Rubber Bands, Brown Paper Sacks, Mom had a drawer full of rubber bands and a drawer full of balls of string and a cupboard full of brown paper bags neatly folded. Mom and dad had lived through and endured two world wars and a major economic depression the likes of which I don’t think we can really comprehend. Because of these experiences they had a tendency to same even the most insignificant things like rubber bands and string and paper bags.
Aorta Aneurysm, Surgery While Still Awake, Aorta Patch, Dad had a bad gut ache and went to the doctor and had it checked out and was told that he had an aneurysm of the aorta and that he needed to get it fixed. Dad ignored the council and went about his business. He went to work a few days latter and the pain got so bad that he laid down on the dirty floor and when his boss saw him he called for an ambulance. He knew dad well enough that if he was laying down he was dying. When he got to the hospital the doctor who had checked him out was there and took him right into the operating room because he knew that he would die if he didn’t. They cut out the aneurysm and put in a patch. I had heard that he was a wake when they started the operation but I don’t know it that was true or not. Dad was a tough old guy and it wouldn’t surprise but who knows.
Move To Utah, 543 So. 560 East Orem, With dad almost dying on us it was decided to move mom and dad to Utah to be close the family where we had half a chance to take care of them or at least help them. Dad was not real happy about this move and said many times I gave that country back to the Indians when I moved to California. When the weather got really cold and winter came he said it even louder. The house we bought for dad and mom was right through the back fence from Vern and Dorothy. This allowed Vern to keep an eye on them literally from his kitchen window.
Nursing Home, Mom Thought She Was Part Of The Help, When we got mom and dad moved to Utah we had to put mom in a nursing home because she was so disoriented and dad couldn’t take care of her. None of the family really could take care of her either. She seemed very happy in the nursing home because she thought she was part of the help there. She would be in her wheel chair and scoot up and down the halls and into every bodies rooms to check on them. Because of her nurses training I think she really believed that. When we would visit I would ask her if she was happy to see us and she would answer “Oh yes!” Do you know who I am? She would answer “Oh yes!” What’s my name? she would answer “I don’t know”. You could give her a magazine and ask her to read it and she could but ask her what it said was a different story. She had no clue what she had read. She could still spell things correctly.
Grave Side Funeral, Mom had a very simple grave side service. I can remember part of it that Vonda was asked to sing a song and that her emotions were so high that it was a real struggle for her but conveyed the spirit and feels of love that we all had for mom.
Dad Went To Work/Vern & Leon, After dad healed up from his aorta surgery He would ride up with Vern up to Salt Lake every work day. He would often come across the street from Vern’s business to My business and spend the day helping me. He would usually leave and go back over to Vern’s during the lunch hour because Vern usually left for lunch and I usually stayed and ate at my business. Vern would usually ask dad where he wanted to go eat lunch and dad would usually say that he didn’t care and then Vern would start to go and suggest a place on the way and dad would not be thrilled with Vern’s choice. Some times Vern would change and go where dad suggested at that point and sometimes he wouldn’t and would stay the course he was going. That five or so years that dad came up and worked with me was wonderful I got to know him better in those five years than all the other years of my life added up together. He was a good dad and I learned a lot of good lessons in those five years. After his passing I missed having him around to council with.
Family Schedule Support, During that last season of dad’s life that he was still living at home it became necessary that somebody be with him in the evening and fix him a meal and clean up his house and spend time with him. It was impossible for Vern and I and Ruth to do it all, so I made up a list and sent it out to all the family that lived close by with what they needed to do and when. It was received well by all. It was a blessing for dad and I’m pretty sure the family got to know dad better during those evenings together.
Hospital, Dad came to work with Vern as usual on October 17th 1989 (My son John’s birthday)and came across the street to help me as usual. He went outside and set on the tongue of the office trailer and was enjoying the warm morning. I was in the office and one of my employees came running in and asked if I had seen my dad and I said yes he was just out side the office door. He said no have you seen that he is not feeling well and is throwing up blood. I said no and ran outside. Dad had thrown up a couple of baseball size balls of blood. They wanted me to call an ambulance but I said that I could get him to the hospital quicker than they could. So I got dad in my pick up and rushed to cottonwood Hospital. They gave dad a couple of units of blood and did several test to try and determine what the problem was. They determined that the problem couldn’t be resolved with out an operation. The doctor came and explained to dad that if they didn’t operate that he would probably die before morning. Dad said that he wasn’t going to get operated on again and to just give him a good sleeping pill. With dad’s refusal to be operated on the doctors had heard about some procedure that had been tried in another country and it had stopped this kind of bleeding. It was a pretty non-evasive procedure so dad agreed and they performed the procedure and it did stop the bleeding. Dad did spend a week in the hospital and then was released to rehab nursing facility to help his legs gain some strength back and he spent a week there.
Nursing Home, Dad’s legs never gained enough strength to bear his own weight and was then released to a regular nursing home in Orem. Dad spent the rest of his life in that nursing home. Vern and Ruth made daily visits to dad and I was only able to be with him Thursday nights and all day Sunday. He got tired of the food they served and would have me sneak a hamburger or malt in to him. Often on Sunday I would get him out of bed and get him sitting up in a chair. I would have to tie him to the chair with his bath robe belt so he wouldn’t fall off. I would cut and wash his hair and trim his eyebrows. I would trim his finger nails and toenails and shave him. This would keep us busy for a good part of the day and would tire us both out. Dad passed away Feb. 2nd 1990 groundhog day. It was early in the morning and the nurse on duty said that she heard some singing and couldn’t figure out where it was coming from and started down the hall and determined it was coming from dad’s room when she got down there the singing had stopped and dad had passed away. Vern arrive shortly there after and called me. I think it was about 6:30 AM when he called.
Funeral, Dad’s funeral was held Feb 5. Vern was dads bishop and presided at and conducted the service. I gave the eulogy and Vern spoke. We both had a challenge to keep the emotions at a level that we could speak. I for sure have the problem if tears are coming out of my eyes words refuse to come out of my mouth. It was a beautiful spirit there.
Eulogy. Victor Leon Crowley, son of Clarence hdmond Crowley and Mary ElizabethOlmstead was born in lona, Idaho, on the 17th of January 19O4. Victorwas the second of nine children. He was preceeded in death by hisbrothers Edmond, Byron and Newell and his sister Madge. Dad was alsopreceeded in death by his wife, Venitta and his daughter Virginia.He is survived by two brothers, Ariel and Ralph and two sisters, Aftonand Alice. Dad was married to Venitta Eliza Minson in the Salt LakeTemple on June 3rd, 1925, by Joseph Fielding Smith. This marriage wasblessed with five children; three sons and two daughters; VictorEldon, Virginia, Venitta Ruth, Vernal Frank, and Ariel Leon. Also 56grandchildren blessed this family, including 18 grandsons, 16granddaughters and 22 spouces. Of the 22 marriages, 17 are templemarriages. Also from these 22 marriages, there are 67 great
grandchildren making a total of 133 decendents at present time.
Dad grew up in lona until he was about 3 years old and then the family moved to Eagle Rock, Idaho which is now Idaho Falls. Even at this very young age Dad mustered a job for himself sweeping and cleaning the local Studebaker garage. When he started High School he transferred to a Technical school called Wings Electrical Engineers. He granduated from that school with honors. During that same time, at age 15, he opened his own garage and had it until he left on his mission. Dad's mechanical ability and welding skills have followed him throughout his life. His facination with mechanical things, even with the lack of support at home and actual pressure to persue something different, did not dissuade him. This strength of character and commitment to get the job done and his conviction that no job is too tough enabled him to own and run his own business through a rapidly changing world. His beginnings were in a log cabin in a rural part of Idaho. To go from horse and buggy to the space age, from hand calculation to computers, from kerosene lanterns to electric lights and be able to adapt and survive in business for as many years as he did is a credit to him.
Dad was called to the Southern States Mission by President Heber J. Grant. He was set apart for this calling by David O. McKay and left on April 11, 1922 on the Denver Rio Grand Railroad. The mission home was located in Atlanta, Georgia but after arriving there, he was sent to the Tennesee Kentucky division of that mission and spent his entire mission in those two states. He was instrumental in the conversion of a dozen people and in placing many copies of The Book of Mormon. On one occasion Dad placed five hundred missionary tracts during a single street meeting. A journal entry records that his unwavering faith in the Savior was gained when he and his companion were led by the spirit to an isolated house out in the country. Their knock was answered by a blind lady who told them she had prayed for them to come and give her a blessing to restore her sight. Her sight was partially restored immediately and her complete sight returned a short time later. Dad had weaknesses that held him back from enjoying all the blessings of the church and yet he never denied his testimony and sobbed the day 1 went to the temple because he couldn't go with me. This testimony is further examplified by the fact that '23 temple marriages have occured in this family. Dad enjoyed singing in the choir and sang at several funerals as a young man. One calling I can remember Dad enjoying was in the Sunday School Presidency and working with the Junior Sunday School. He knew every kid and loved them and they all knew and loved him. He held the office of High Priest in the Melchezidec Priesthood.
When his family was young, Dad was a pilot and supported his family through this profession for several years. He got involved with flyina through Bob Johnson. After one weeks employment with Bob, Dad became a pilot. He barnstormed all over Idaho and then started carrying passengers from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake, from Salt Lake to Las Vegas and from there to Los Angeles, barnstorming along the way. Through this experience Dad became a close friend to Will Rogers, Willy Post, Kitty Lee and Jack Lee. Dad was in partnership with Tommy Thompson on a Ford Tri-Motor airplane. Some of you may remember Tommy as "Tailspin Tommy", the stunt pilot of the movies of his day. This employment is what brought about the move of our family to California. He didn't object to the weather difference either. He kept saying that he gave Idaho back to the Indians because he didn't like the snow and didn't ever plan on moving back. This era was a highlight in Dad's memory.
Through his great physical strength, quick thinking, stamina, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time, Dad was instrumental in saving many lives. When a flood struck Southern California in 1938, he saved 22 people in one night and provided food and shelter for them for the next three days. Dad was not afraid to take on anything and tried to instill in his children this willingness to try. He hated the expression, "I Can't". I feel that this attitude is what helped to save these peoples lives. I have a story that my son John wrote about His grandfather that I would like share with you.
SOLUTIONS
Much has been said concerning world problems. Everybody has his own theory on how to solve them. The nucear arms race, world hunger. apartheid, discrimination, each one has many possible solutions. However, it is very difficult to try to select the best solution and put it into action. Therefore, most people spend their time arguing about solutions instead of doing something.
During the summer of 1S86, I learned a valuable lesson about solving problems from my eighty—two year old grandfather. Our problem wasn't large as the world views things, but it was large. The problem was a 45OO gallon waste oil tank. We needed to get the tank off a trailer and put it in place behind a building. Much like world problems, everyone had his opinion of how it should be accomplished. Some thought it couldn't be done; others thought we would need to rent some large equipment; still others thought that we could drag it in place with a truck. However, my grandfather isn't one to stand around and argue. He grabbed me and another teenager that was working there. He sent us around gathering chains, levers, come—alongs, and whatever looked useful. Then he looked at the materials we had to work with and made a plan. We decided that the trailer was low enough to the ground that we could simply drag it off the trailer to the ground. Then we observed that the tank wouldn't just slide across the ground. So by laying some pipes horizontally in front of the tank, we gave it something to roll on. Inch by inch we pulled that tank. With our seemingly insignificant levers and pullies, we were moving it. It wasn't fast; at times it seemed tedious. The tank never made any earth-shattering jumps. But in the end the tank got where it needed to be. Those who had argued over solutions stood in amazement. The three of us laughed at their stares. We had won!
The world can take a lesson from my aging grandfather. We need to look at what we have and not hope for a miracle cure. We need to logically make step by step plans. Then we need to act. There will be no huge advances. The goal will be reached an inch at a time, but it will be reached. When it is, some will stand in amazement. But everyone will be able to smile because we will all be winners.
It looks like it didi it! Sorry that it took you half the day to get to this sentence.
Victor Leon Crowley & Venitta Eliza Minson
Idaho Falls, Mom and dad met in Idaho Falls.
June 3, 1925, Salt Lake Temple,
Joseph Fielding Smith, Mom and dad were married in the Salt Lake temple by Joseph Fielding Smith.
Nurse's Training, Mom took her training in an LDS hospital in Idaho Falls and dad dated her during this time.
Lava Hot Springs, they liked to go to there with their friends. Frank & Naoma Taylor, were good friends in Idaho and also moved to Ontario and lived in the same ward for years.
Barn Storming, Ford Trimotor, Dad owned a share in a ford Trimotor airplane and earned his living Barn Storming. That is he would buzz a town and then land in a field and sell rides to all who wanted a ride (to fly).
May 19, 1926, Victor Eldon, was born and am pretty sure he was the very first grandchild of CE Crowley.
Aug. 2, 1927, Virginia, was born this day.
Sept. 11, 1928, Venitta Ruth, was born this day. All three were born in Idaho Falls.
Santa Maria, Calif., moved here I don’t remember what year.
Will Rogers, I think dad had met him I’m not sure they were friends.
Welding Shop, I know dad had a welding shop but I’m not sure where it was.
Flood, Saved A Dozen People, There was a flood and people were stranded on a little island in the middle of the river without food, water, or shelter. He got them from there to the safety of his shop and fed and took care of them.
Fist Through Wall - This Was Meant For You, As I recall the story, dad worked in a machine shop and one of his co-workers was lazy and would go hide and sleep and dad would end up having to do both of their jobs. He got so mad that he dreamed one night that he punched the guy in the nose. Mom slept between him and the wall and dad’s fist punched a hole in the wall right above mom’s head pinning her to the bed. The next day dad brought the co-worker home and showed him the hole and told him that was meant for him. I understand the co-worker quit the next day.
Ontario, They moved to Ontario, California.
Dr. Walter A. Sullivan, San Antonio Community Hospital, was the family doctor and delivered both Vern and Leon.
312 No. Campus, Is the first home that I can remember. It was a two story home with big trees in the back yard.
June 8, 1938, Vernal Frank, The day Vern was born.
1228 East Holt Blvd., East End Auto Wreckers, Crosley On Top, This is where dad’s wrecking yard was located. One of the things that distinguished it was the little Crosley car that dad put on the roof.
Dec. 7, 1941, WW II, bombing of Pearl Harbor and US involvement in the war.
April 16, 1942, Ariel Leon, The day Leon was born.
Eldon-Navy, Broken Collar Bone - Naval Hospital,
I can remember Eldon coming home from WW II dressed in his uniform. I can remember dad letting Eldon take his motorcycle for a ride and that he had an accident on it and broke his collar bone. I can remember traveling to a naval hospital to visit him.
Harley-Davidson, dad enjoyed driving a motorcycle and he and mom would go on little trips. He talked about having a race with Charlie Whitaker and getting their handle bars hooked together and nearly having a wreck because of it.
Indian-Motor Cycle -Suicide Clutch, Rooster-Tails Of Dirt, We had a dirt alley behind our 312 N. Campus home and when dad would leave for work he would peal out and leave a rooster tail of dirt flying as he went down the alley.
Halloween Party, I can remember a Halloween party at our house and the kids had to climb in through the front window and walk across a tray for marbles and then across the bed and then on to an ironing board that a couple of guys were tipping while the person was standing on it. I forgot they were blind folded before they went through the window. Then they put their hands in a bowl of peeled grapes and told they were eyeballs, and cold cooked large macaroni noodles and told they were intestines and then Jell-O and is was something else. They dunked for apples and played games and had a great time.
Firesides, we had several at our house and always had a good turn out.
Three Story Tree House, Vern built a three story tree house in one of our Eucalyptus trees that had four branches that grew vertical. He built a trap door in the top floor so he could keep out anybody he didn’t want up there. We moved from this house in 1949 so Vern was eleven our under when he did this.
Bird Nest, Fall-Broken Branches-Hit Chin On Roof, Vern saw a bird’s nest in Pipitone’s tree next to their garage. He climbed nearly to the nest when the branch he was standing on broke and I watched him fall breaking branches all the way and then catching his chin on the roof of their garage. When he landed on the ground I was sure he was dead and I ran and got mom and she came took care of him.
Guns Aren't Loaded - Hole Through Roof, When Vern was ten or eleven he and I were left at home while mom and dad went out. While they were out Vern was certain that he heard somebody out side the house and he went and got dad’s guns and some bullets. He got a 30-30 rifle for him and a 22 rifle for me and some bullets. I was five or there abouts. Vern and I sat on the floor of the kitchen back to back and he told me to not load the gun unless we saw somebody. I didn’t listen and loaded the gun. Shortly there after mom and dad came home and found us with the guns. Dad grabbed the guns and started up the stairs and Vern was trying to assure him that we hadn’t loaded the guns and reached up and pulled the trigger of the 22 and it fired a bullet up thru the ceiling and roof. The scare was so bad that I don’t think we even got a spanking.
Frank & Gertrude & Althea Minson, Louis Ray, These four lived with mom and dad for a time. Frank and Gertrude were mom’s parents and Althea was mom’s youngest sister and Louis Ray was Althea’s husband.
Birthday Party-Night Shirts, Dad made it very plain that he did not like night shirts like the ones he had to wear when he was a boy. As a joke mom had a birthday party for him and every one that came brought him a night shirt. It seems that somebody wrote him a poem about it.
Pipitone's, Wheatley's, These were next door neighbors to mom and dad on campus Ave.
Vern's Duck, Vern had a pet duck named Henry that he loved. Henry had a name change when he / she laid several eggs, after that she was called Henrietta. She lost her head when she ate the fish in the Pipitones backyard pond.
Central States Mission, Eldon was called and served an honorable in that mission.
Elmer Max Jensen, married Virginia and joined the family.
Winston Frost Jepson, married Ruth and joined the family
Ontario 1st Ward, mom and dad lived in this ward for most of their married life.
Relief Society President, Mom served as relief society president for several years and did a great job.
Jr. Sunday School, Dad served as second counselor in the Sunday school presidency and did a great job and loved the kids and the kids loved him.
Ward Choir, Dad enjoyed singing in the choir and had a good voice.
545 East "I" St., We moved into this house in 1949 next door to grandfather and grandmother (CE and Mary Elizabeth) It was a good experience. I learned many things from my parents and also from my grandparents and have many fond memories because of the close proximity to dads parents.
Ruth Marian Reynolds, married Victor Eldon and joined our family.
Queen For A Day, Ruth won the show Queen for a day shortly after she had her second set of twin boys (Scott and Dee) She got a large washer and dryer and stroller and many other things. Quaker Oats gave her a year supply of their cereal.
Timbo - Sic'em, Timbo was a large German Shepard that was a WW II veteran. When we first got him I was able to ride him around. When Vern would get me on the ground and be working me over Timbo would come and knock him off of me. If you stuck out your arm and point at somebody and said sic’em he would attack that arm.
Nurse Skills, Penicillin Shots, Hospital Corners On Beds, Mom’s nursing skills carried on her whole life. I can remember Dr Sullivan giving her penicillin and allowing her to give shots to all the neighbors when they got sick. When you helped mom make a bed there was only one way and it was her way or the hospital way.
Wash Dishes: Clockwise Clean/Counter-Clockwise Dirty, Mom had her way of doing the dishes and Vern and I would kid and say if the dishcloth went in a clock wise motion the dishes would get clean but if you went counter clockwise they would get dirtier.
Loving Touch, there was nobody that I would rather have close by when I was sick than mom, she was gentle and caring and attentive.
Beautiful Penmanship, Excellent Speller, mom had beautiful penmanship and was an excellent speller. Even in the nursing home mom could spell well and yet had no clue what she spelled.
Dry Off With Washcloth, Mom always wanted me to dry off mostly with the wash cloth and then you could really get dry with the towel.
Box Your Ears, Mom was always threatening to box our ears when Vern and I were fighting or carrying on in some way.
Razor Strap Spankings, I can only remember getting a couple of these spankings and I am sure they were well deserved. The razor strap was use to sharpen a straight edge razor and had two parts. A wide leather belt and a heavy canvas belt connected together at one end. Dad would hold both ends of the strap and would them together and then pull them apart quickly and they would snap together and make quite a bang. It seemed to make a lot more noise than doing damage to the recipient. It hurt and it did change my behavior.
Aunt Elizabeth & Uncle Louie Forden - Governor, Great back door neighbor for years and years, governor was their Bull dog.
Grandmother & Grandfather Crowley,
Nolan & Sherry, next door neighbor that bought Grandfather and grandmothers home after Grandfather passed away.
Circle Driveway, we had a circle drive way that we shared with the grandparents.
Pomegranate Tree, Orange Tree, Peach Tree, we had these trees in our yard and the fruit was wonderful.
Avis Bush, Leah Yodder, Charlie Whitaker, Avis and Leah were bookkeepers for dad at the wrecking yard. Charlie Whitaker was a partner at one time.
Prince-What Did You Steal, Prince was a wonderful Doberman pincer that dad had at the wrecking yard for years. Prince loved dad and would mind him to the letter. Prince knew his job and watched the customers closely and if they took something and didn’t go through the office to pay he would grab them in the calf and growl and they would usually freeze and start screaming for dad.
Ida Darlene Carter, married Vern and joined the family.
Chaffey Union High School, All five children attended this high school.
48 Packard - 40 Mph Left-hand Turn, The first time mom allowed me to drive behind the wheel. I was driving up Campus Ave and making a left hand turn on to “I” Street. I think I was about 14 years old and the gutter was rather deep and the bump and jump and up on two wheels was very memorable for mom and me.
Ulcer As Big As Two Fists, I can remember dad being so sick and yet getting up and going to work. I can remember dad coming home and laying down on the floor in front of the heater in the dinning room and mom trying to feed him and then he would eat and go throw up and then go back to work. Uncle Ed said that the ulcer that they cut out of dad was the size of his two fists. They cut out half of his stomach when they took the ulcer out.
Boating, Skiing, Boat Building, Glen L. Hot Rod Drag Boat, Toe In Rope, Behind Head, Beach Start, Whip In, 11 Skiers At Once, Salton Sea - Bombay Beach, Swim In Canal, Haul Water, Soak In Hot Springs, This could take pages and pages to cover this one.
Dorothy Lee Plum, married Vern and joined the family
Kitchen/Porch Wall, We had a small kitchen and small back porch. Mom kept wishing that the wall between the two rooms was removed and make a nice large kitchen. One Saturday she was gone all day to some Relief Society activity, I got some tools out of the garage and when mom came home the wall was gone. She nearly had a heart attack and dad nearly exploded when he came home, but the wall was gone. Dad hired a neighbor and he finished the kitchen and repainted it. It made a big difference and mom loved it when it was all done.
Dining Room/Den Wall, There was a wall between the den and the dining room and mom wanted it removed and dad was nervous that I just might do it with out any guidance or approval. He then told me that I could remove the wall but there was some nice shelves and cupboards in the den that he didn’t want destroyed. I took the shelves out carefully and moved them to the family room. I then tore the wall down and dad hired the same neighbor to finish the room.
Family Room, Started out to be a screened porch but with the shelves in there now they built it in and became the family room.
Leon Clean Garage, Mom wanted me to clean the garage with her help but she wanted to look at and examine each and every thing in the garage I think it would have taken two life times. So one Saturday when mom was gone all day again, I went to the wrecking yard and got dads biggest scrap truck and backed up to the garage. I emptied the garage of everything. There was not a tool or board or string or dirt or anything left. Mom never forgave me and would say things like “I wish I had that board you threw away.”
Temple Garment Room, Dixon Twins - One Piece Garments - Stuff In Back Door Of Garment, Because there was no distribution center around Mom was asked (called) to be the temple garment distributor for our stake. She devoted one of our bedrooms to this. She did this for years. One day I came home and mom said that the Dixon twins were in my bedroom trying on garments to go to the temple for the first time. They had been in there for hours. She wanted me to go in and see what was taking so long. This was when there was only one piece garments and you got in them from the neck hole. I found the one twin trying to get in from the back hole, legs in and the other twin trying to help his brother bend enough to get his body in the top half. They were making comments like “I can see why you wear these for the rest of your life.”
1st Purchased TV In Ontario, Crosley TV-Bubble Magnifier, Dad bought this little TV with about an eight inch screen. He also bought this giant magnifying glass that hung in front of the screen and made the picture seem bigger.
Professional Wrestling, Dragnet, Ozzie & HarrietShow, KTLA-Judy Splinter's Show, Ambidextrous,
Dad loved to watch professional wrestling and would sit on the edge of the foot stool and you would swear he was one of the wrestlers. There were only three stations at that time and everybody seemed to watch the same shows and the next day at school you would talk to your friends about what you watched. Channel 5 KTLA Had the Judy Splinter’s show and they had a drawing contest and I won and had to go draw the picture on TV. They put me in front of a large easel with a large drawing pad and a big piece of charcoal. I was five years old at the time. I drew a picture of porky pig. The drawing pad was so big that I drew half of the picture with one hand and the other half with the other hand.
BYU, 417 No. 1st East-Provo, I lived in this apartment my freshman year at BYU.
Southern States Mission, I was called to serve in the Southern States Mission and Entered the mission home in October of 1961. This is the same mission that Victor Leon, Clarence Edmond and Squire Green Crowley served in, making me the fourth generation to serve there.
1963 Olds Starfire, Trip To Atlanta Georgia, Visited Whole Family On The Way Home, Mom and dad bought a brand new Olds Starfire to come and pick me up at the end of my mission. They picked me up at the mission home in Atlanta Georgia where I had served the last four months of my mission. We did some sight seeing on our way home. We visited some of the places that dad had served in and met some of our non LDS relatives that live in Kentucky. We visited all of my sibling on our way home.
Linda Rae Thudium, Met Linda Rae the middle of November 1963 and married her the 17th of January 1964 dad’s birthday. Best birthday present he ever got.
69 Chev PU, I think got this PU new and he loved it and drove it for a long time.
70 Ford Green Camper, Dad bought mom a little green camper. She loved to drive it because she sat up so that she could see over the steering wheel instead of through it.
Eldorado Motorhome, they enjoyed the camper so much dad bought the motor home and they took a number of trips in it to visit their kids and grandkids.
Home Made Bread, mom was famous for her home made bread. She would make five or six large loaves in one batch. No fancy machines just hard old work. At the Relief Society bazaar that was held to raise ward budget, they would auction off her bread.
Roast Beef Dinners, I loved mom’s Sunday roast beef dinners. She made the best gravy too.
Bacon & Eggs, was the usual breakfast. I don’t remember eating much cereal cooked or cold for breakfast.
Stew, mom made a great stew and always put a whole hot pepper in it to cook and simmer. It gave it a little zing and added to the flavor.
Milk Toast, Mom’s bread made the best milk toast bar none.
Eggs On Toast, we would some times have mashed boiled eggs with butter on her toast it was very good.
Women's Club, mom belonged to the Ontario women’s club for years and served in it.
Pinetop Family Reunion, After Linda and I returned from Samoa we moved to Boise Idaho. While we were there we organized a family reunion at Uncle Ariel’s Pinetop in Idaho city,, Idaho. I think we had everyone of mom and dad’s descendents there. What a great time we had together. I can remember uncle Eldon getting up early and going around to everybody’s cabins and staring a fire so it would be warm when they got up.
Mirrors On The Walls Everywhere, Mom seemed to like to have a mirror on every wall. She even had a mirror in the little space in between the two windows just above the kitchen sink.
Mantle Clock, Mom had a family clock that had been handed down. She took good care of it and had to wind it up at least once a week. It chimed on the hour and half hour and had a pretty loud tic toc to it. Sometimes when we would have people sleep over they couldn’t sleep because of the clock, but when you grow up with it you don’t even notice it.
Balls Of String, Rubber Bands, Brown Paper Sacks, Mom had a drawer full of rubber bands and a drawer full of balls of string and a cupboard full of brown paper bags neatly folded. Mom and dad had lived through and endured two world wars and a major economic depression the likes of which I don’t think we can really comprehend. Because of these experiences they had a tendency to same even the most insignificant things like rubber bands and string and paper bags.
Aorta Aneurysm, Surgery While Still Awake, Aorta Patch, Dad had a bad gut ache and went to the doctor and had it checked out and was told that he had an aneurysm of the aorta and that he needed to get it fixed. Dad ignored the council and went about his business. He went to work a few days latter and the pain got so bad that he laid down on the dirty floor and when his boss saw him he called for an ambulance. He knew dad well enough that if he was laying down he was dying. When he got to the hospital the doctor who had checked him out was there and took him right into the operating room because he knew that he would die if he didn’t. They cut out the aneurysm and put in a patch. I had heard that he was a wake when they started the operation but I don’t know it that was true or not. Dad was a tough old guy and it wouldn’t surprise but who knows.
Move To Utah, 543 So. 560 East Orem, With dad almost dying on us it was decided to move mom and dad to Utah to be close the family where we had half a chance to take care of them or at least help them. Dad was not real happy about this move and said many times I gave that country back to the Indians when I moved to California. When the weather got really cold and winter came he said it even louder. The house we bought for dad and mom was right through the back fence from Vern and Dorothy. This allowed Vern to keep an eye on them literally from his kitchen window.
Nursing Home, Mom Thought She Was Part Of The Help, When we got mom and dad moved to Utah we had to put mom in a nursing home because she was so disoriented and dad couldn’t take care of her. None of the family really could take care of her either. She seemed very happy in the nursing home because she thought she was part of the help there. She would be in her wheel chair and scoot up and down the halls and into every bodies rooms to check on them. Because of her nurses training I think she really believed that. When we would visit I would ask her if she was happy to see us and she would answer “Oh yes!” Do you know who I am? She would answer “Oh yes!” What’s my name? she would answer “I don’t know”. You could give her a magazine and ask her to read it and she could but ask her what it said was a different story. She had no clue what she had read. She could still spell things correctly.
Grave Side Funeral, Mom had a very simple grave side service. I can remember part of it that Vonda was asked to sing a song and that her emotions were so high that it was a real struggle for her but conveyed the spirit and feels of love that we all had for mom.
Dad Went To Work/Vern & Leon, After dad healed up from his aorta surgery He would ride up with Vern up to Salt Lake every work day. He would often come across the street from Vern’s business to My business and spend the day helping me. He would usually leave and go back over to Vern’s during the lunch hour because Vern usually left for lunch and I usually stayed and ate at my business. Vern would usually ask dad where he wanted to go eat lunch and dad would usually say that he didn’t care and then Vern would start to go and suggest a place on the way and dad would not be thrilled with Vern’s choice. Some times Vern would change and go where dad suggested at that point and sometimes he wouldn’t and would stay the course he was going. That five or so years that dad came up and worked with me was wonderful I got to know him better in those five years than all the other years of my life added up together. He was a good dad and I learned a lot of good lessons in those five years. After his passing I missed having him around to council with.
Family Schedule Support, During that last season of dad’s life that he was still living at home it became necessary that somebody be with him in the evening and fix him a meal and clean up his house and spend time with him. It was impossible for Vern and I and Ruth to do it all, so I made up a list and sent it out to all the family that lived close by with what they needed to do and when. It was received well by all. It was a blessing for dad and I’m pretty sure the family got to know dad better during those evenings together.
Hospital, Dad came to work with Vern as usual on October 17th 1989 (My son John’s birthday)and came across the street to help me as usual. He went outside and set on the tongue of the office trailer and was enjoying the warm morning. I was in the office and one of my employees came running in and asked if I had seen my dad and I said yes he was just out side the office door. He said no have you seen that he is not feeling well and is throwing up blood. I said no and ran outside. Dad had thrown up a couple of baseball size balls of blood. They wanted me to call an ambulance but I said that I could get him to the hospital quicker than they could. So I got dad in my pick up and rushed to cottonwood Hospital. They gave dad a couple of units of blood and did several test to try and determine what the problem was. They determined that the problem couldn’t be resolved with out an operation. The doctor came and explained to dad that if they didn’t operate that he would probably die before morning. Dad said that he wasn’t going to get operated on again and to just give him a good sleeping pill. With dad’s refusal to be operated on the doctors had heard about some procedure that had been tried in another country and it had stopped this kind of bleeding. It was a pretty non-evasive procedure so dad agreed and they performed the procedure and it did stop the bleeding. Dad did spend a week in the hospital and then was released to rehab nursing facility to help his legs gain some strength back and he spent a week there.
Nursing Home, Dad’s legs never gained enough strength to bear his own weight and was then released to a regular nursing home in Orem. Dad spent the rest of his life in that nursing home. Vern and Ruth made daily visits to dad and I was only able to be with him Thursday nights and all day Sunday. He got tired of the food they served and would have me sneak a hamburger or malt in to him. Often on Sunday I would get him out of bed and get him sitting up in a chair. I would have to tie him to the chair with his bath robe belt so he wouldn’t fall off. I would cut and wash his hair and trim his eyebrows. I would trim his finger nails and toenails and shave him. This would keep us busy for a good part of the day and would tire us both out. Dad passed away Feb. 2nd 1990 groundhog day. It was early in the morning and the nurse on duty said that she heard some singing and couldn’t figure out where it was coming from and started down the hall and determined it was coming from dad’s room when she got down there the singing had stopped and dad had passed away. Vern arrive shortly there after and called me. I think it was about 6:30 AM when he called.
Funeral, Dad’s funeral was held Feb 5. Vern was dads bishop and presided at and conducted the service. I gave the eulogy and Vern spoke. We both had a challenge to keep the emotions at a level that we could speak. I for sure have the problem if tears are coming out of my eyes words refuse to come out of my mouth. It was a beautiful spirit there.
Eulogy. Victor Leon Crowley, son of Clarence hdmond Crowley and Mary ElizabethOlmstead was born in lona, Idaho, on the 17th of January 19O4. Victorwas the second of nine children. He was preceeded in death by hisbrothers Edmond, Byron and Newell and his sister Madge. Dad was alsopreceeded in death by his wife, Venitta and his daughter Virginia.He is survived by two brothers, Ariel and Ralph and two sisters, Aftonand Alice. Dad was married to Venitta Eliza Minson in the Salt LakeTemple on June 3rd, 1925, by Joseph Fielding Smith. This marriage wasblessed with five children; three sons and two daughters; VictorEldon, Virginia, Venitta Ruth, Vernal Frank, and Ariel Leon. Also 56grandchildren blessed this family, including 18 grandsons, 16granddaughters and 22 spouces. Of the 22 marriages, 17 are templemarriages. Also from these 22 marriages, there are 67 great
grandchildren making a total of 133 decendents at present time.
Dad grew up in lona until he was about 3 years old and then the family moved to Eagle Rock, Idaho which is now Idaho Falls. Even at this very young age Dad mustered a job for himself sweeping and cleaning the local Studebaker garage. When he started High School he transferred to a Technical school called Wings Electrical Engineers. He granduated from that school with honors. During that same time, at age 15, he opened his own garage and had it until he left on his mission. Dad's mechanical ability and welding skills have followed him throughout his life. His facination with mechanical things, even with the lack of support at home and actual pressure to persue something different, did not dissuade him. This strength of character and commitment to get the job done and his conviction that no job is too tough enabled him to own and run his own business through a rapidly changing world. His beginnings were in a log cabin in a rural part of Idaho. To go from horse and buggy to the space age, from hand calculation to computers, from kerosene lanterns to electric lights and be able to adapt and survive in business for as many years as he did is a credit to him.
Dad was called to the Southern States Mission by President Heber J. Grant. He was set apart for this calling by David O. McKay and left on April 11, 1922 on the Denver Rio Grand Railroad. The mission home was located in Atlanta, Georgia but after arriving there, he was sent to the Tennesee Kentucky division of that mission and spent his entire mission in those two states. He was instrumental in the conversion of a dozen people and in placing many copies of The Book of Mormon. On one occasion Dad placed five hundred missionary tracts during a single street meeting. A journal entry records that his unwavering faith in the Savior was gained when he and his companion were led by the spirit to an isolated house out in the country. Their knock was answered by a blind lady who told them she had prayed for them to come and give her a blessing to restore her sight. Her sight was partially restored immediately and her complete sight returned a short time later. Dad had weaknesses that held him back from enjoying all the blessings of the church and yet he never denied his testimony and sobbed the day 1 went to the temple because he couldn't go with me. This testimony is further examplified by the fact that '23 temple marriages have occured in this family. Dad enjoyed singing in the choir and sang at several funerals as a young man. One calling I can remember Dad enjoying was in the Sunday School Presidency and working with the Junior Sunday School. He knew every kid and loved them and they all knew and loved him. He held the office of High Priest in the Melchezidec Priesthood.
When his family was young, Dad was a pilot and supported his family through this profession for several years. He got involved with flyina through Bob Johnson. After one weeks employment with Bob, Dad became a pilot. He barnstormed all over Idaho and then started carrying passengers from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake, from Salt Lake to Las Vegas and from there to Los Angeles, barnstorming along the way. Through this experience Dad became a close friend to Will Rogers, Willy Post, Kitty Lee and Jack Lee. Dad was in partnership with Tommy Thompson on a Ford Tri-Motor airplane. Some of you may remember Tommy as "Tailspin Tommy", the stunt pilot of the movies of his day. This employment is what brought about the move of our family to California. He didn't object to the weather difference either. He kept saying that he gave Idaho back to the Indians because he didn't like the snow and didn't ever plan on moving back. This era was a highlight in Dad's memory.
Through his great physical strength, quick thinking, stamina, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time, Dad was instrumental in saving many lives. When a flood struck Southern California in 1938, he saved 22 people in one night and provided food and shelter for them for the next three days. Dad was not afraid to take on anything and tried to instill in his children this willingness to try. He hated the expression, "I Can't". I feel that this attitude is what helped to save these peoples lives. I have a story that my son John wrote about His grandfather that I would like share with you.
SOLUTIONS
Much has been said concerning world problems. Everybody has his own theory on how to solve them. The nucear arms race, world hunger. apartheid, discrimination, each one has many possible solutions. However, it is very difficult to try to select the best solution and put it into action. Therefore, most people spend their time arguing about solutions instead of doing something.
During the summer of 1S86, I learned a valuable lesson about solving problems from my eighty—two year old grandfather. Our problem wasn't large as the world views things, but it was large. The problem was a 45OO gallon waste oil tank. We needed to get the tank off a trailer and put it in place behind a building. Much like world problems, everyone had his opinion of how it should be accomplished. Some thought it couldn't be done; others thought we would need to rent some large equipment; still others thought that we could drag it in place with a truck. However, my grandfather isn't one to stand around and argue. He grabbed me and another teenager that was working there. He sent us around gathering chains, levers, come—alongs, and whatever looked useful. Then he looked at the materials we had to work with and made a plan. We decided that the trailer was low enough to the ground that we could simply drag it off the trailer to the ground. Then we observed that the tank wouldn't just slide across the ground. So by laying some pipes horizontally in front of the tank, we gave it something to roll on. Inch by inch we pulled that tank. With our seemingly insignificant levers and pullies, we were moving it. It wasn't fast; at times it seemed tedious. The tank never made any earth-shattering jumps. But in the end the tank got where it needed to be. Those who had argued over solutions stood in amazement. The three of us laughed at their stares. We had won!
The world can take a lesson from my aging grandfather. We need to look at what we have and not hope for a miracle cure. We need to logically make step by step plans. Then we need to act. There will be no huge advances. The goal will be reached an inch at a time, but it will be reached. When it is, some will stand in amazement. But everyone will be able to smile because we will all be winners.
It looks like it didi it! Sorry that it took you half the day to get to this sentence.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Big Meeting Follow up Email
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 2:43 PM
Subject: RE: James Sorensen passing away
Thanks Leon. We will miss Mr. Sorenson very much. It will take us several weeks here to know what's happening in the short-term. I appreciate your good words and I've passed them on to the family.
Sincerely,
Don Wallace
From: Leon Crowley [mailto:transmissionexch@qwest.net] Sent: Monday, January 21, 2008 10:40 AMTo: Don WallaceSubject: James Sorensen passing away
Don,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sorensen's passing away. I had no idea that he was not in good health. He looked older the last time I saw him than he did a few years earlier when he took us for a tour of the Nauvoo temple stone work and oxen, but that was to be expected. I hope his suffering was minimal. He did a lot of good along his life's journey. If you have an opportunity to express our sympathy to his family, Linda and I would appreciate it.
Thank you for your help,
Leon Crowley
Subject: RE: James Sorensen passing away
Thanks Leon. We will miss Mr. Sorenson very much. It will take us several weeks here to know what's happening in the short-term. I appreciate your good words and I've passed them on to the family.
Sincerely,
Don Wallace
From: Leon Crowley [mailto:transmissionexch@qwest.net] Sent: Monday, January 21, 2008 10:40 AMTo: Don WallaceSubject: James Sorensen passing away
Don,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sorensen's passing away. I had no idea that he was not in good health. He looked older the last time I saw him than he did a few years earlier when he took us for a tour of the Nauvoo temple stone work and oxen, but that was to be expected. I hope his suffering was minimal. He did a lot of good along his life's journey. If you have an opportunity to express our sympathy to his family, Linda and I would appreciate it.
Thank you for your help,
Leon Crowley
Sunday, January 20, 2008
44 and sprinting forward
On the 17th I took the day off and mother and I spent the day together. We slept in and then went out to breakfast at Village Inn. After that we wen to the Fashion Place Mall and looked for a new pair of black dress Sunday shoes. I couldn't believe how hard it is to find a nice pair of dress shoes. It is amazing with all of our technology that we can't make a nice looking dress shoe as comfortable as the new tennis shoes. Most of the shoes that they represented as dress shoes looked like old pilgrim shoes and were so ugly I wouldn't try them on. I finally found a pair that I would wear at Nordstrums. I was glad the pair I liked and fit the best were half the price of the rest of the shoes there. Mother wanted to get us new pillows and we were walking by the select comfort store in the mall. We went in and checked out there pillows and they had us lay down on their beds to try out the pillows. They were the contour style pillows of different heights. We tried several and then had them save the ones we liked the best and left and went to the My Comfort store across the street to check out their pillows and beds. They're the store that sells the Intelligell mattress. They had the contour pillow made of the Intelligell material and it has an air bladder that you can adjust to what ever height you want. They had us lay down on their bed and try out their pillow. I almost fell asleep instantly. I had to work at not falling a sleep as we tried several variations of their mattress. Needless to say we bought a new mattress and box springs. We can't pick up the new mattress until Monday or Tuesday. I am so excited to get a really good nights sleep. We then went to the temple and had dinner and went through a session. What a wonderful day!!!!!
The 19th we had a funeral and viewing at 9 AM of a friend that I had done business with for years. His company did all of my towing for years until he retired. He (Loey) had married LoMona who had been married to my priest quorum advisor (Lowell) before my mission. Lowell had also been our Home teacher when we first got married and were living in California. Also he was one of the few that came to the temple when we were married. He died very young. He went to Denny's for breakfast one morning and sat at the counter and ordered his food and then put his head down on the counter. When they brought his food he was dead. I also taught their oldest daughter Cindy in early morning seminary when we were first married. It was wonderful to see their family and renew that association. We saw several others that had lived in our Ontario ward. It was wonder to see these old friends and see that they were still solid in the gospel.
The evening of the 19th we gathered all of our local kids and their spouses and ate dinner in our basement. We had a wonderful ham dinner with mashed garlic potatoes and special green beans and green salad. Everything was wonderful except the rolls we bought from the Lion House bakery. They had to be a week old and were terrible. Mother is going to get a hold of the manager of the bakery and get our money back. We also had pie for desert. One was a chocolate cream and the other a very berry. After dinner we showed the DVD that April made for me a couple of years ago for Christmas of the old 8 mm film movies we had taken. We laughed a lot. After that we shared memories of growing up in this family. We laughed even more.. I laughed so much the back of my head and jaw muscles ached. It was so good to be together as adults and not have the distraction of the grandkids. You know that I love them, but occasionally it is nice to have just the adults.
The 19th we had a funeral and viewing at 9 AM of a friend that I had done business with for years. His company did all of my towing for years until he retired. He (Loey) had married LoMona who had been married to my priest quorum advisor (Lowell) before my mission. Lowell had also been our Home teacher when we first got married and were living in California. Also he was one of the few that came to the temple when we were married. He died very young. He went to Denny's for breakfast one morning and sat at the counter and ordered his food and then put his head down on the counter. When they brought his food he was dead. I also taught their oldest daughter Cindy in early morning seminary when we were first married. It was wonderful to see their family and renew that association. We saw several others that had lived in our Ontario ward. It was wonder to see these old friends and see that they were still solid in the gospel.
The evening of the 19th we gathered all of our local kids and their spouses and ate dinner in our basement. We had a wonderful ham dinner with mashed garlic potatoes and special green beans and green salad. Everything was wonderful except the rolls we bought from the Lion House bakery. They had to be a week old and were terrible. Mother is going to get a hold of the manager of the bakery and get our money back. We also had pie for desert. One was a chocolate cream and the other a very berry. After dinner we showed the DVD that April made for me a couple of years ago for Christmas of the old 8 mm film movies we had taken. We laughed a lot. After that we shared memories of growing up in this family. We laughed even more.. I laughed so much the back of my head and jaw muscles ached. It was so good to be together as adults and not have the distraction of the grandkids. You know that I love them, but occasionally it is nice to have just the adults.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Yes it is a new year
Sorry that it has been a while since I have made an entry. We are on the new early schedule at church 9 til noon. After priesthood and relief society we (mother and I) hurried into our classroom and stacked up all of the chairs accept for the few for our class members. We taught our lesson in grand style and ended our class with prayer and then finished stacking all of the chairs and rushed into sacrament meeting. We enjoyed a nice fast and testimony meeting and after it was over our relief society president came up to me and asked if I remembered that we had changed meeting schedules and that we were on the early schedule. I replied well of coarse I remembered I was here on time. She said that the first ward relief society president had contacted her and said that they had no chairs set up for their relief society meeting. Then it dawned on me what we had done and was I embarrassed. I'm sure that none of you had any adjustments to your new schedules.
Item 2: It is our 44th wedding anniversary on the 17th of this month. We thought it would be great if our kids and in law kids could go out to dinner together with us on Saturday the 19th. Not wanting to exclude any but not wanting to burden any. We would love to gather all local for sure. As a side note on our anniversary, Uncle Eldon called me this morning and asked what year we were married. I told him 1964 and he said good I only have 6 more years to live and then I can pass the sun dial on to me. He then reminded me that Uncle Ariel gave my dad this sun dial on his 50th anniversary and had that engraved on the sun dial and then dad had it engraved for Eldon's 50th anniversary and he said that I was the next in line to be married 50 years and that he wanted our family to have it and that it had a better chance of staying in the family and continue to be passed along. It really touched me. He said that he now has something to really live for and look forward to.
Item 3: Family vacation this year? I love Pineview and yet it is so convenient that some have not given it the commitment we would like so we can all be together. This last year we seemed to get people in shifts. If we can't commit to a week then lets settle on the length of time that we will all be together. We have three families that are going to be moving this summer. Les and James and Tiff and Ryan and James and DeDe will all be moving this summer. Is this summer going to be impossible to plan a family vacation together? Now is the time to reserve space if we are going to do it and get the best spots.
Item 4: Family gift exchange? Some have suggested that we change the rules for our gift exchange. I have enjoyed it the way it has been but if we need to look at it and make some changes, I would like some feed back. I am also interested in the the grand kids input.
Item 5: We have not heard back from DW for JS but just think it has been the holidays. We will keep you posted as new developments occur.
Item 6: If there is no response to any of this 08 is cancelled.
Item 2: It is our 44th wedding anniversary on the 17th of this month. We thought it would be great if our kids and in law kids could go out to dinner together with us on Saturday the 19th. Not wanting to exclude any but not wanting to burden any. We would love to gather all local for sure. As a side note on our anniversary, Uncle Eldon called me this morning and asked what year we were married. I told him 1964 and he said good I only have 6 more years to live and then I can pass the sun dial on to me. He then reminded me that Uncle Ariel gave my dad this sun dial on his 50th anniversary and had that engraved on the sun dial and then dad had it engraved for Eldon's 50th anniversary and he said that I was the next in line to be married 50 years and that he wanted our family to have it and that it had a better chance of staying in the family and continue to be passed along. It really touched me. He said that he now has something to really live for and look forward to.
Item 3: Family vacation this year? I love Pineview and yet it is so convenient that some have not given it the commitment we would like so we can all be together. This last year we seemed to get people in shifts. If we can't commit to a week then lets settle on the length of time that we will all be together. We have three families that are going to be moving this summer. Les and James and Tiff and Ryan and James and DeDe will all be moving this summer. Is this summer going to be impossible to plan a family vacation together? Now is the time to reserve space if we are going to do it and get the best spots.
Item 4: Family gift exchange? Some have suggested that we change the rules for our gift exchange. I have enjoyed it the way it has been but if we need to look at it and make some changes, I would like some feed back. I am also interested in the the grand kids input.
Item 5: We have not heard back from DW for JS but just think it has been the holidays. We will keep you posted as new developments occur.
Item 6: If there is no response to any of this 08 is cancelled.
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